Turkey achieves a new milestone in defense exports

Turkey is enhancing its stature in the global defense sector, achieving record levels in exports and forging strategic alliances.

During the Defense and Aerospace Industry Global Strategies Conference 2025, Haluk Görgün, Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries, announced that Turkey’s defense exports reached $7.154 billion, marking a 29% increase from the previous year. This growth underscores Turkey’s expanding influence in the international defense arena.

In his address, Görgün pointed out that Turkey’s accomplishments extend beyond mere economic indicators; they embody a comprehensive vision for defense autonomy. The Turkish defense industry now spans 185 countries, offering 230 varieties of domestically manufactured defense systems, which highlights its dedication to self-sufficiency and technological advancement.

The “National Technology Initiative” has been a catalyst for the swift expansion of Turkey’s defense capabilities, allowing the nation to transition from a mere supplier to a strategic leader in defense. Görgün reiterated that Turkey is not only establishing a strong defense industry for its allies but also creating an ecosystem for innovative technological exports.

Turkey’s defense systems, validated in actual combat scenarios, are increasingly sought after on the global stage. Leading companies such as Baykar, Roketsan, and ASELSAN have been pivotal in this transformation, providing advanced UAVs, missile systems, and electronic warfare solutions to international clients.

The expansion of Turkey’s defense sector is in line with the government’s long-term objective of achieving complete strategic independence in defense. Görgün emphasized that Turkey is evolving from being solely an arms exporter to actively influencing the future of global defense markets through homegrown technologies and international collaboration.

The deterrence strategy of the nation is founded on the ongoing advancement of state-of-the-art systems, positioning Türkiye as a significant contributor to global defense. Görgün emphasized that each initiative in defense innovation enhances Türkiye’s status as a transformative player in the international security arena.

With robust international demand, a rise in research and development investments, and growing collaborations, Türkiye is poised to emerge as a dominant force in the global defense sector. The unprecedented export numbers and strategic plans unveiled at the 2025 conference underscore Türkiye’s dedication to establishing a fully autonomous, formidable, and self-reliant defense industry.